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Duck feathers


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I just received 7 duck skins from a friend and would like to know what to save. Also maybe a web site or article that discribes the areas on the duck which they are found.

Randy

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Depends on what you want to tye and what kind of duck. Most drakes have a bunch of barred flank feathers under the wings on each side of the breast for tails and wings on dries. The wings have feathers for fly wings and the feathers on the shoulders make wings on RS2 type flies. On top above the tail there is an oil gland that has several plain grey feathers without color, this is the CDC feathers. Kinda hard to find unless you know where to look, you have to rub the colored feathers away from the tail, but are what I always save.

"Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously."

Hunter S. Thompson

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There should be plenty of barred flank feathers on the woody and mallard, be sure to save the black tipped feathers and the crest on the woody. Clip the wings close to the body, split the skin on the inside and remove meat then let dry. Some hens have good flanks, but as a rule, they are brown and drab. Sounds like all are puddle ducks, so be sure to get the CDC feathers. I use them in most of my dry patterns, naturally floats like a duck. Another option would be to tan the skins and store them whole if you have time or room.

"Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously."

Hunter S. Thompson

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Good Stuff jdmidwest. Couldn’t explain any better. Great info for those who don't know about cul-de- canard "CDC". This is great material and you will find yourself tying a bunch of flies once you learn about this stuff.

The fact that it floats nicely has helped me see tiny dries better. I like to tie it in as a post and use it as an indicator when I’m fishing smaller sizes. You can drift a long way and still see the fly and that makes a difference in most cases. The longer the drift, the more fish see it. That's my motto.

Accept the drift.....<>>><

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